The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Arnold had just finished his cheeseburger and was about to leave with Bobby when the door of the adjacent booth swung open.

A cascade of vibrant roses burst into view, and a moment later, Anna emerged, followed by Soren clutching the very thing they

had brought with them.

Arnold's jaw dropped. Were they a thing now?!

Anna hadn't expected to bump into Arnold and Bobby here. The encounter was inevitably a bit awkward.

Arnold, who had just managed to suppress his anger, felt it boiling up again. He sarcastically remarked at Soren, "Wow, Soren,

quite the move, eh? Couldn't catch a cheater here yesterday, so you brought Anna over for dinner today?"

Soren turned to Anna with a smile, lifting their intertwined hands for the others to see, "Yeah, just taking my girlfriend out for a

meal."

Bobby had anticipated this oue, and though Arnold had braced himself for the worst upon seeing the roses, hearing it from

Soren was unbearable.

Just as Arnold was about to hurl another sarcasticment, he noticed how intently Anna was staring at their joined hands and

changed his tune.

"If you dare make Anna sad, you'll haveto deal with!" Arnold raised his fist.

Bobby gave Soren a polite smile from behind Arnold.

"lI won't let Anna down," Soren confidently assured, warming Anna's heart.

Arnold had no interest in watching their PDA - or rather, Soren's solo display of affection. He dragged Bobby away.

Soren walked Anna to her apartmentplex, even taking a leisurely stroll along the street before reaching her place.

"Thanks for walkinghome. You should get srest," Anna waved goodbye to Soren.

"Will do. You too," Soren watched her until she disappeared upstairs.

It was odd. Neither had been the awkward type before, but love seemed to change them, making them linger on a walk that could

be a short drive.

Does falling in love truly make one pretentious?

Anna pondered this change as she leaned against the door, not entirely understanding it but thoroughly enjoying it.

In just a few days, thanks to Soren's flamboyant gestures, their relationship wasmon knowledge.

Anna sighed as Soren showed up at the lab again - his fifth visit of the day.

Brody was fed up with Soren's constant appearances, this twith a lunchbox in hand.

"How many more times are you going to show up? She's managed fine on her own before, what's the rush?" Brody's annoyance

was palpable.

Soren, acting as if Brody hadn't spoken, continued talking to Anna.

Seeing him ignore his rant, Brody slammed his stuff on the lab bench, "I'm done! Sick of you lovebirds! You're holding up my work!"

Anna tried to reassure Soren, "I can take care of myself."

But Soren wouldn't hear of it, leaving Anna no choice but to let him fuss over her.

"Soren's really changed since he started dating," Percival remarked as he chopped a pear into small pieces for Vivienne. "According

to the team, he's been seen smiling more often, even making training sessions feel lighter."

Vivienne smiled at Percival's observation, "That's good to hear. At least they're keeping things in perspective, balancing their

relationship and careers. A win-win."

Juliette, overhearing the conversation, rushed over to Vivienne, "Mommy, when can we go see Griffin's new baby?"

"In a few days, after Griffin is through with her postpartum recovery. She needs her rest," Vivienne gently corrected Juliette's

seating position.

"What about your student, then?" Juliette inquired while munching on the pear Percival offered, hinting at Logan's lack of romantic

progress.

Vivienne remembered Logan hadn't mentioned any updates, wondering if he had made any moves toward Faye Churchill.

Percival and Vivienne exchanged looks, deciding to let the matter be.

"You shouldn't worry about adult matters. They'll let us know the good news when it happens," Vivienne playfully scolded Juliette,

who pouted in response.

"Does that mean there's no good news?" Juliette speculated.

Vivienne sighed at her daughter's curiosity.

As they finished breakfast, Isaiah cdownstairs, joining the cheerful scene silently.

After breakfast, Vivienne suggested, "The weather's nice. How about a trip? We could use a break from being cooped up at home."

"Yay!" Juliette's excitement was palpable, her earlier grievances otten.

Vivienne's suggestion delighted Juliette most, offering a break from her dull tutor.

Catching Juliette's underlying thought, Vivienne smirked, "You can play during the day, but your homework still needs to be done at

night. Your dad and | will check."

Juliette's smile froze, disbelief written all over her face, "But mommy, | thought we were going on vacation?"

"Your classmates are still in school, hitting the books hard. Hiring a tutor wasn't to spoil you but to ensure you don't fall behind.

This trip is more for your dad and me. You're tagging along, but it's homework via video call with the tutor every evening."

Vivienne never cut her kids any slack on matters of principle.

Isaiah knew exactly what his mom was getting at and agreed without a second thought, "Got it, Mom."

Hey, hey, hey! Juliette shot Isaiah a look of betrayal. How could he switch sides so quietly?

"Hmm? And you?" Vivienne squatted down and pinched Juliette's rosy cheek.

It was undeniable; the child was well-nurtured, her cheeks so plump and rosy, Vivienne always found herself wanting to ruffle her

hair and pinch her cheeks.

"I got it!" Juliette puffed up her cheeks, resigning herself to Vivienne's playful affections.

That evening, the family boarded a flight to their vacation destination.

Upon arriving at airport and heading to Havenwood, Logan hesitated for a long tbefore deciding not to send the text message,

his heart filled with uncertainty.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Logan. "Logan, you've arrived?"

Hearing the joyful voice, Logan looked up to see a young man a few years his junior holding a sign for pickup.

"Are you Barry, sent by the dean?" Logan asked, unsure, since he remembered a girl's voice on the phone that day.

Barry chuckled awkwardly, "That day, my girlfriend helpedanswer the call. I'm Barry Walker. Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall

we head out now?"

On their way to the parking lot, Barry was buzzing with excitement, "We've got lots of teachers in the department eagerly awaiting

your arrival."